Shopko Completes Conversion of Pamida Stores

GREEN BAY, Wis.-Shopko has finished the conversion of 163 Pamida stores into the Shopko Hometown format, one year after the two retailers announced that they would merge.

A Shopko statement said it invested $70 million into the conversions, and as of yesterday, the company operates 176 Shopko Hometown stores, compared to 10 at this time last year. Shopko Hometown offers national brands and private-label merchandise in apparel, toys, consumer electronics, seasonal items and lawn and garden products, along with pharmacy services.

According to Mike Bettiga, interim CEO and chief operating officer of Shopko, all of the store conversions were completed and open on time. "As we move into 2013 and beyond, our focus is on solidifying the Shopko Hometown brand and opening more Hometown stores in new communities," Bettiga said.